Polling underway for Haryana municipal elections across key cities

CHANDIGARH: Polling is underway on Sunday for the election of mayor and ward councillors in the municipal corporations of Ambala, Panchkula and Sonipat in Haryana. Voting is also being held for the election of president and councillors in the Rewari Municipal Council, along with polls for presidents and councillors in the municipal committees of Sampla in Rohtak district, Dharuhera in Rewari district and Uklana in Hisar district, according to news agency PTI. Besides this, by-elections are being conducted for one ward each in the municipal councils and municipal committees of Tohana, Jhajjar, Rajound, Taraori, Kanina and Sadhaura. Polling for all posts began at 8 am and will continue till 6 pm, officials said. The counting of votes will take place on May 13. The municipal elections are expected to witness a direct contest between the Congress and the ruling BJP. Haryana State Election Commissioner Devinder Singh Kalyan had earlier said the Commission is committed to ensuring that the civic elections are conducted in a free, fair and transparent manner. Officials said elaborate arrangements have been made at polling stations to ensure that voters do not face any inconvenience during the elections. Facilities such as clear signage, help desks, drinking water, toilets and other basic amenities have been provided at polling booths. Special arrangements have also been made for differently-abled persons, senior citizens and women. Officials said ramps, wheelchairs and separate queues have been arranged to help such voters cast their votes without difficulty. Additional arrangements have been made at polling stations where large crowds are expected. Extra staff, vehicle support and assistance from NCC and NSS volunteers are being deployed to ensure smooth queue management, officials added.